Sooner stand down Published Oct. 30, 2008 By 1st Lt. Kinder Blacke 552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Tinker Airmen volunteered in impressive numbers October 23-24 to help provide free services to homeless and disadvantaged veterans at the ninth annual "Sooner Stand Down." Operation Stand Down is a nation-wide program that helps homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about one third of the homeless population has served in the armed forces, and approximately 154,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. The Sooner Stand Down provided a centralized location where veterans could have their individual problems addressed and begin to rebuild their lives. The veterans each received a duffel bag filled with clothing, a sleeping bag, a personal hygiene kit, a sack lunch and a bottle of water. Local human service organizations collaborated to provide free haircuts, vision, dental and mental health care, housing, employment and legal assistance, and spiritual and substance abuse counseling. According to Ms. Pam Stark, Social Worker with the VA Homeless Program, this year's Sooner Stand Down assisted 330 veterans and 100 non-veterans, which is significantly more than the average stand down. "I was impressed with how busy it was this year," said Ms. Stark, "I think we really got the word out community- and state-wide, and it was a great opportunity for veterans to get to know us and see what the VA is really about." Ms. Stark expressed her appreciation for the many Tinker Airmen who came out to help. Maj. Craig Tayman, 552nd Training Squadron, was responsible for garnering volunteers from the 552nd Air Control Wing. "I have a strong desire to help 'our own' who have fallen on hard times. This is a great program that gives a 'hand up, not a hand out,'" Maj. Tayman said. Volunteers from across Tinker helped sort and distribute clothes, serve food, and support the human service agencies with whatever they needed. Senior Airman Jesse Parisot, 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron, spent the day escorting veterans through the clothing area, helping them to fill backpacks with clothes and bedding. "It was a good opportunity to help those who have served before me," he said. "There was plenty of room for help, even if it is just for an hour." Staff Sgt. David Bizeau, 72nd Contracting Squadron, says he always tries to help veterans when he has the opportunity and definitely recommends participation in the stand downs. "I thought it went very well," he said, "we had a lot more people come through than I expected." In addition to providing clothing and services, the Tinker Airmen were able to provide a sense of companionship and camaraderie. "It was extremely rewarding to get to interact with the vets," said Maj. Tayman. "I genuinely felt that the vets were grateful for everyone that was helping out." If you are interested in helping in the next stand down, please contact Maj. Craig Tayman.